Omega-3

Amarin Pharma Inc., maker of high-concentration EPA-only omega-3 drug Vascepa, has filed false advertising lawsuits against two omega-3 dietary supplement manufacturers: Coromega Health Inc. and Omax Health Inc. 

The Global Organization for EPA and DHA Omega-3s has released a new industry advisory for how to properly express the content of omega-3 fatty acids EPA, DHA, and other fatty acids in oils. 

Not only do 75% of Americans take supplements, but 87% of U.S. adults have overall confidence in the safety, quality, and effectiveness of dietary supplement products, the survey found.

It is well known that EPA and DHA support cardiovascular and metabolic health through several mechanisms.

The Global Organization for EPA and DHA Omega-3s is making a push to spread awareness of omega-3s among healthcare professionals, including nurse practitioners, physician’s assistants, and pharmacists, with the launch of its new Fats for Life website.

The review found that the combination of omega-3s and statins for heart health can sometimes be complementary, but can also be antagonistic. The authors note that further intervention studies are needed to explore the interaction.

A new clinical trial is underway to examine the effects of krill oil on those suffering from lupus.

Amarin Corp., maker of Vascepa, a high-concentration EPA-only omega-3 drug for heart health, published the topline results from its large-scale Reduction of Cardiovascular Events with EPA Intervention Trial (REDUCE-IT).

Post-surgical immune function as well as recovery outcomes improved for GI cancer patients after short-term omega-3 supplementation, according to meta-analysis. 

An Australian company called Nuseed, a subsidiary of Nufarm Ltd., announced that USDA has deregulated the company’s proprietary omega-3 canola for cultivation in the U.S.

Higher omega-3 levels may be linked to reduced cognitive depression symptoms in heart failure patients, according to a study recently published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology’s Heart Failure.

Bill Harris, PhD, omega-3 researcher and founder of OmegaQuant, says a recent Cochrane report is biased because it ignores a large body of evidence showing favorable effects of EPA and DHA on cardiovascular risk.

A heart-healthy lifestyle should start early in life. Omega-3 fatty acid supplementation can help.

The study was specifically conducted with children in Northern Ghana, where people have poor access to foods rich in omega-3s DHA and EPA.

In the study, mice that were fed a high-protein, high-omega-3, low-carbohydrate diet exhibited lower blood glucose levels, including in induced type 1 diabetes, hormone-induced hyperglycemia, and diet-induced metabolic syndrome.

A review of existing studies indicates that omega-3s may help to reduce hot flashes and depressive symptoms that occur during menopause, but researchers say further research is needed.

In the analysis, increased intake of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and fish was shown to exert a possible protective effect against anxiety.

In their main analysis, researchers found no significant cognitive benefits in Norwegian preschool students fed a fatty fish lunch versus a non-fish meat lunch for 16 weeks; however, they detected slight benefits in a sub-analysis adjusted for dietary compliance.

In a move sparked by a Greenpeace action campaign, Antarctic krill fisheries have agreed to cease fishing in sensitive areas of the Antarctic Ocean.

In the pilot study, MaxSimil increased omega-3 red blood cell levels, moderated the ratio of arachidonic acid (AA) to docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and reduced key inflammatory biomarkers in subjects with cystic fibrosis.

The line is based on the company’s flagship, EPA-rich algae ingredient, Almega PL.

Nutritional Outlook recently spoke with Ellen Schutt, GOED’s new executive director, about how, under her leadership, the organization plans to identify market opportunities to move the omega-3 category forward.

Polaris will be introducing its new Omegavie DHA 650 Qualitysilver5 highly concentrated omega-3 algal oil, which harnesses the company’s Qualitysilver technology to prevent oxidation and rancidity.

Organic Technologies, the supplier of AlaskOmega omega-3 and omega-7 concentrates, says that this new company serves a European customer base looking for MSC-certified AlaskOmega ingredients.

Ellen Schutt, formerly GOED’s vice president of communications and education, has been appointed executive director of the omega-3 organization.